Brave little Joe wins hearts of marathon crew

A charity event is being held in honour of a brave baby who endured three operations within two weeks of being born. Little Joseph Jones is a Gastroschisis baby, which means his bowels had developed on the outside of his abdomen.

DETERMINED BATTLER ... Joseph Jones had three operations within a fortnight of being born.

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A charity event is being held in honour of a brave baby who endured three operations within two weeks of being born.

Little Joseph Jones is a Gastroschisis baby, which means his bowels had developed on the outside of his abdomen.

He was rushed into surgery just five hours after he was born on February 11 last year and it was feared that he would need a bowel transplant.

Doctor's were able to diagnose the condition at Rebecca's 12 week scan because of a lump showing in Joseph's abdomen.

But he has stunned doctors by making a remarkable recovery after eight operations at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

But it is now hoped that Joseph's bowel will eventually function normally despite being left with just 10 per cent of his small intestine.

His mother Rebecca Grogan, formerly of Fielding Street, Middleton, said: "He had three major operations within ten days of being born.

"Each one was torture for us as he was wheeled away to a theatre full of specialists and surgeons that we had to trust with our baby's life.

"Over the next eight months he endured more surgery, sepsis, MRSA and severe liver damage."

A fund-raising women's fitness event for Ronald MacDonald House, where families can stay while their children are treated at Alder Hey, will be held at Middleton Technology School at 7pm to 9pm on Thursday February 17.

The Latin dance infused Zumbathon will be hosted by family friend Shirley Sadler of Her Fitness to mark Joseph's first birthday.

Rebecca, who now lives in The Wirral, added: "Throughout this time we had a room at the Ronald MacDonald House so we didn't have to leave our baby boy.

"We had a place to be when he was sick and we didn't know what lay ahead so we could be at his bedside constantly.

"Every child needs their mummy and daddy and The Ronald MacDonald house gives this priceless gift for as long as its needed to some of the most sick children entirely at their own cost.

"It's not a gift you can appreciate until you need it."

Rebecca added: "He has surprised consultants and continues to surprise them with how well he is doing.

"He really is amazing and we think he is a little miracle."

Anyone wishing to join the Zumbathon, for a suggested £10 donation for a two hour session, should visitwww.herfitness.co.uk.